The remains of key figures in the Ukrainian struggle for independence, including Simon Petliura and Stepan Bandera, may soon be returned to Ukraine. This was reported by Bohdan Chervak, the head of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). Repatriating these figures is viewed as a crucial step in restoring historical justice for the nation.
Chervak emphasized the existence of a strong political will to establish a national Pantheon of Heroes in Ukraine. He highlighted the profound symbolism of bringing together leaders who were historically divided, describing such an act as a foundation for national reconciliation and unity. Negotiations are currently underway with Stepan Bandera’s family to secure the necessary legal permissions for exhumation. Similar progress has been achieved regarding the remains of Yevhen Konovalets in Rotterdam; the Canadian Sich Riflemen community, which has cared for the grave, has already granted its consent, allowing the legal procedures for repatriation to proceed.
The initiative does not end with these figures. There is a broader national effort to bring home the remains of other prominent Ukrainian patriots, including Hetman Ivan Mazepa. The goal is to ensure that those who fought for Ukraine, but were forced to die in exile, are finally laid to rest on their native soil. As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty against modern existential threats, the return of these historical leaders reinforces the country’s national identity and deepens its connection to a centuries-old tradition of fighting for freedom. This process signifies that the modern Ukrainian state considers its historical defenders as an integral part of its living spirit.